French authorities have summoned U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner to Paris following accusations that he failed to address the rising threat of antisemitism in the country. Kushner, a Jewish diplomat, penned a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron criticizing France’s handling of antisemitism, attributing the surge in hate crimes to the government’s statements about recognizing a Palestinian state. The French foreign ministry swiftly condemned his remarks as ‘unacceptable,’ citing a violation of international law and the sanctity of bilateral relations. Despite this, the U.S. State Department has defended Kushner’s stance, affirming his role as a key representative of American interests in Paris.
Kushner’s letter, which has drawn sharp reactions from French officials, accuses the French government of enabling antisemitic violence by supporting Palestinian statehood. He argues that public statements against Israel, including calls for recognition, have emboldened extremists and endangered Jewish communities in France. The memo asserts that ‘anti-Zionism is antisemitism,’ a statement that has sparked controversy within diplomatic circles. French authorities, however, maintain that they have taken decisive measures to combat rising antisemitism, emphasizing their commitment to protecting French Jewish citizens. The ministry also highlighted the ‘intolerable’ nature of such acts, aligning them with broader concerns over the growing threat in Europe.
France’s decision to summon Kushner reflects broader tensions in transatlantic relations, particularly as Macron has remained critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a key ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The French leader has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and questioned the military strategies of the Israeli government, positions that have put him at odds with Trump and the U.S. administration. Kushner, meanwhile, has long been a vocal supporter of Trump and Netanyahu, which has made his recent diplomatic overture in France all the more significant. His family ties to the Trump administration, including his son Jared, further underscores the personal and political stakes of this dispute.
Despite the French rebuke, the U.S. State Department has publicly backed Kushner, emphasizing his role as a trusted envoy in Paris. Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that the ambassador has been ‘doing a great job advancing our national interests,’ which is likely to reinforce internal support for his position. However, the incident highlights the growing ideological divide between the U.S. and its European allies, particularly on issues related to Israel and the Middle East. With the war in Gaza continuing to strain diplomatic relations, the situation between France and the U.S. may become even more complex in the coming months.
Kushner’s actions have also drawn attention to the broader implications of antisemitism in Europe and the role of political rhetoric in fueling hate crimes. His letter has sparked debates over how to define antisemitism, with some critics arguing that equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism could suppress legitimate criticism of Israeli policies. Others, however, warn that such rhetoric can be a powerful tool in addressing the growing threat of anti-Jewish violence. As France continues to grapple with this issue, the diplomatic tensions with the U.S. are likely to remain a focal point in the region’s geopolitical landscape.